EP & Timescale to ablation

[CDAJ]

Hi

I live in the South West of UK.

I am currently under the Arythmia nurses and my dose of Soltalol has been increased to 40mg in the morning and 120gm in the evening. Episodes of AF currently every 7 days.

I was referred to see a EP approximately 6 months ago or so I thought!! Anyway somewhere along the way there has been a hiccup!

My question is does anyone know the approximate timescale to seeing a EP and then to ablation? As I cannot seem to get a guide.

In the meantime I have booked a private consultation with a cardiologist who specialises in AF in Feb. This is by video because of the rise in covid infections.

Thank you

Updated I have had my private consultation and it was suggested that I now pay for echocardiogram, which I am arranging.

After that I have to make the decision whether to wait for the ablation in Plymouth which is likely to be 12 -18months at best on the NHS( this as we know could be extended!) Or take the private route circa 15k and maybe be able to get on with life. Other areas in the UK is something that I haven’t looked at but with the NHS as it is, this is unlikely to be fruitful?

[BobD Volunteer]

Where in SW? Not too many EPs scattered around. Derriford, Bristol. Exeter (small centre with limted budget). Usually about a year from agreement I hear. Maybe make private appointment to short cut.

[CDAJ in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob

Thank you for the reply. I am in South Devon

I have been referred to Derriford but this was supposed to have been done 6 months ago but due to a admin mix up it wasn’t done. They were very apologetic but this has pushed me back 6 months!

I have booked a private appointment with Guy Hayward at peninsular for February. This is going to be a video link due to covid infections.

Do you think making the private appointment will help push it forward?

Really not sure of best route? Private op from what I understand is 15kish!

[BobD Volunteer in reply to CDAJ]

Well it will save you four or so months waiting for NHS appt with Guy H but unless you want to spend your kid's inheritance you then you go onto NHS list and wait. Your AF burden sounds light so keep doing the life style things I am sure you already are (if not why not) and stay well hydrated.

[CDAJ]

Thanks Bob. I will see how the Guy H appointment goes.

[jeanjeannie50]

Guy Haywood did my three ablations. I'd let my AF get really bad before I did anything. The first one stopped my heart from banging in my chest when I walked up hills, I didn't know that other people's didn't do that. The third one really helped, along with his Registrar he'd designed a piece of equipment that went down the throat and recorded outside of the heart and where the rogue beats were coming from. I still have low rate AF, but don't give it much thought now and I've not had high rate AF since then, which was about 6 years ago.

Jean

[CDAJ in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you Jean. Sounds as if the sooner I can get it done the better. Good to know that you don’t give it much thought now and getting on with life.

Thanks

[localad]

My NHS timescale before getting to an EP and my first ablation.... (not SW but East Anglia)

September 2018; GP diagnosed AF.

October 2018, saw cardiologist, referred for cardioversion.

April 2019; cardioversion (failed)

July 2019; saw EP, referred for ablation.

February 2020; ablation.

[CDAJ in reply to localad]

Thank you. At least it gives me a broad timeframe to expect.

[Kingfisher44]

Hi there I live in Exeter and I think timescales are adjusted depending on your symptoms and the impact on your quality of life.

I now know I have had Paroxysmal AF for 10 years. To start with I had an episode every couple of months - always started at night and symptoms would normally ease by 9/10 am at work. Early on a Doctor told me I was having panic attacks - this made me determined not to give in and cross with myself when I had an episode!

For me it all really kicked off last March. My episodes were longer and more frequent - I struggled through work with heart pounding, breathless, dizzy, sweating etc. how people didn’t notice I have no idea.

One morning I set off to work on my bike, heart pounding etc, when I was knocked over by a van. I was taken to hospital - I had no major injuries from the accident but was given six small tablet and told I had PAF! When heart rate had settled I was sent home and told to make a GP appointment. I was then diagnosed with T2 diabetes and started on a range of meds. I was referred to cardiology and told it would take 12 months.

The GP lent me a Kardia and the plan was if I had symptomatic AF I was to go to A&E. Now the AF was very frequent sometimes less than 24hrs apart after one episode had reverted. I followed the plan - so had lots of trips to A&E and ended up in the Acute Medical Ward a few times and was pumped with medication until my heart reverted. Each time my meds were upped. During one of my visits to AMU I met a cardiologist who put me on a list for a cryo ablation. This was done in July. However my AF returned and when I saw the cardiologist after the blanking period I was put on the list for a second ablation.

I managed to get a cancellation so the second ablation was done in December. However there were complications which left me with a stay in ICU! Currently still trying to recover.

Sorry for the long story but it took me 10 years to get the right diagnoses but because of the level my AF had got to relatively short period of time to get treatment - whether it has been successful only time will tell.

Good luck with it all - I wouldn’t wish AF on anyone!

[CDAJ]

Thank you. As you say time will tell & good luck.